BOARD DISTRICT GOALS 20182019
1. Reactivate Facilities Committee.
a. Identify clear steps that are needed if the district is seeking a new building
b. Identify major maintenance priorities
2. Support the development and implementation of a new 35 year Strategic Plan by February 2019.
3. Continue to analyze budget data to identify efficiencies and priorities.
4. Support the review and development of the K12
counseling program to include recommendations for future consideration.

Last week we began a shopping list of groceries to get started with your food storage plan. These are everyday items you can buy at any grocery store. All the experts recommend storing food with which your body is already familiar. In the event of a disaster, everyone’s system is under stress and introducing strange food into your diet will only serve to sideline you at a time when you need to be 100%.

Don’t try to do this all at once. Watch the sales, shop the bargains and buy what you know. You can get the dehydrated meals if you like, and they will keep you alive, and they do look good stacked in your pantry, but I’m willing to wager that you’ve never tasted them.

If you missed last week’s column, you can check my blog (see below) for a complete list.

11. 10 lbs of pancake mix. Buy the “just add water” variety, such as Krusteaz. Simple to make, easy to fix and everybody’s familiar with hotcakes. Don’t forget a jug of syrup

13. 10 lbs of pasta. Again, easy to fix, familiar to everyone and a great comfort food.

14. 10 cans or jars of spaghetti sauce. Goes great with the pasta. Cheap and satisfying. It’s not homemade, but it does dress up the pasta.

15. 20 cans of soup or broth or soup mixes. The beauty of soup is that they are a budget friendly, all-in-one meal solution and most require only water for preparation.

16. 1 large jug of cooking oil. Olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut or some other cooking oil, but definitely get some.

17. Spices and condiments. “Spice” up your pasta and oatmeal with some of the spices you already have in your cupboard and are accustomed to using, but lay in some extra. Garlic, pepper, tabasco, all your favorites.

18. 5 lbs of coffee and 100 tea bags. For some of us life just isn’t life without our coffee. Tea can be therapeutic and soothing as well.

19. 2 large bags of hard candies. Peppermints, butterscotch and lemon drops can go a long way toward making a hard situation bearable.

20. Flashlight and extra batteries. Lots of extra batteries. Ok, I know, this isn’t edible. But you can never have enough flashlights and batteries.

Dave Robinson

Now I know what you’re saying. There are a lot of essentials I forgot. Remember this is a “starter” list. Some might say we need flour, wheat, yeast, and other baking necessities. Quite frankly a whole lot of folks today don’t have a clue what to do with flour, nor do they have an oven that works without electricity. Those things, and others, are important and should be a part of every food plan so don’t pass them up for your comprehensive plan.

As always, send your questions and comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. Check my blog for previous columns at www.diasterprepdave.blogspot.com. Dave Robinson is the author of “Disaster Prep For The Rest Of Us,” available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers.

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) –The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK), will be burning piles of woody debris on the Donnelly Training Area south of Delta Junction and the Gerstle River Training Area southeast of Delta Junction. Burning operations may start as early as Friday, Oct. 26 and may continue, as conditions allow, until Nov. 18.

The piles targeted for burning on the Donnelly Training Area (DTA) are distributed across an area between the Delta River and the Alaska Highway between 5 and 15 miles south of Delta Junction. The piles on the Gerstle River Training Area (GRTA) are located approximately 25 miles southeast of Delta Junction just south of the Alaska Highway.

The piles will be ignited when weather conditions are favorable and will minimize the impact of smoke on populated areas in accordance with open burn approvals issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The BLM AFS and USARAK area working with ADEC and the National Weather Service to monitor smoke conditions to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing air quality.

For more information about the prescribed fire on Fort Wainwright lands, contact the BLM AFS dispatch in Fairbanks at (907)356-5555 or BLM AFS Public Affairs Specialist Beth Ipsen at eipsen@blm.gov or (907)356-5510.

The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS) located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, provides wildland fire suppression services for over 240 million acres of Department of the Interior and Native Corporation Lands in Alaska. In addition, BLM AFS has other statewide responsibilities that include: interpretation of fire management policy; oversight of the BLM Alaska Aviation program; fuels management projects; and operating and maintaining advanced communication and computer systems such as the Alaska Lightning Detection System. BLM AFS also maintains a National Incident Support Cache with a $16 million inventory. The Alaska Fire Service provides wildland fire suppression services for America’s “Last Frontier” on an interagency basis with the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Military in Alaska.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska. October 25, 2018. Many drivers recognize the benefits of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) available in today’s new vehicles, but the costs associated to repair these technologies should they need to be replaced or calibrated is often overlooked.

According to new research from AAA Automotive Engineering, vehicles equipped with ADAS features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and others, can cost twice as much to repair after a collision. In fact, even minor incidents that cause damage to ADAS technology found behind windshields, bumpers and door mirrors can add up to $3,000 in repairs.

With one-in-three Americans unable to afford an unexpected repair bill of just $500, AAA strongly urges consumers to understand what costs are associated with ADAS system repairs, so they can make smarter decisions when it comes to upgrading or changing their insurance policies.

“Advanced safety systems are much more common today, with many coming as standard equipment, even on base models,” said Michelle Donati, spokeswoman for AAA Alaska. “It’s critical that drivers understand what technology their vehicle has, how it performs and how much it could cost to repair should something happen.”

Previous AAA testing has shown that ADAS offers many safety benefits, however, minor vehicle damage that affects these systems may be inevitable. For the vehicles in AAA’s study, the repair bill for a minor front or rear collision on a car with ADAS can run as high as $5,300, almost two and half times the repair cost for a vehicle without these systems.

Windshield damage is especially common, with more than 14.5 million replacements annually. Many safety systems rely on cameras positioned behind the windshield that require recalibration when the glass is replaced. In addition, some automakers require the use of factory glass that meets strict standards for optical clarity. Replacing a windshield on a vehicle equipped with a camera behind the glass typically costs approximately $1,500, which can be as much as three times the amount to replace the windshield on a car without the technology.

“It is not unusual for windshields to get chipped or cracked,” Donati said. “This may be an eyesore on a regular car, but when it falls in the line of sight of a camera or the driver, it becomes a safety issue that needs immediate attention by a facility qualified to work on these systems.”

Many variables such as the vehicle make and model, the type and location of the sensor and where the work is performed can affect ADAS repair costs. AAA’s research determined the ranges listed below for typical ADAS repair expenses. Note that these numbers are for costs over and above the normal bodywork required following a collision.
•Front radar sensors used with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control systems: $900 to $1,300

•Front camera sensors used with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping systems (does not include the cost of a replacement windshield): $850 to $1,900

•Front, side mirror or rear camera sensors used with around-view systems: $500 to $1,100

•Front or rear ultrasonic sensors used with parking assist systems: $500 to $1,300

Once a driver finds that an ADAS has been damaged and requires repair, there are key factors to consider when selecting a repair facility. Simply replacing the sensors of driver assistance systems is relatively straightforward and can be performed by most mechanics. However, to restore the system to proper operation it must be calibrated, which requires special training, tools and information. Before having a vehicle repaired, AAA recommends that drivers verify whether the facility is able to properly repair and calibrate the damaged system(s), and request proof of the work once complete.

“As technology continues to evolve, drivers need to be better educated and more aware of their vehicle’s capabilities,” Donati said. “This includes understanding how the vehicle systems work as well as how much repairs may cost if damaged.”

AAA recommends drivers review their insurance policy regularly to ensure they have the appropriate coverage to cover the cost of repairs for any damage and that deductibles are manageable to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

For this study, AAA evaluated three top-selling models in popular categories. The vehicle models were selected from AAA’s 2018 Your Driving Costs study and include a small sport utility vehicle, a medium sedan and a full-size pickup truck. To establish repair part types and costs, all replacement parts discussed are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components charged at their suggested list prices. To establish mechanical labor costs, a national average customer-pay rate was determined based on data from National Auto Body Research as well as AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount. Labor rates used do not include state or local taxes, shop supplies fees or hazardous materials disposal charges. To establish repair times, data was obtained from CCC Estimating (Certified Collateral Corporation), Mitchell1 ProDemand, Safelite, Inc. and Nissan, Ford and Toyota dealer repair facilities. Full methodology is available at newsroom.aaa.com.

Leigh Dennison was born Dec. 27, 1921, in Owasso, Michigan, and left us Oct. 20, 2018, in Fairbanks, at 96. He was born to Homer Dennison and Lillian Bunn of East Lansing, Michigan. He earned a degree in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University in 1942.

He served in World War II as a clerk/typist from 1943-46 and served six months in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. After his service, he came to Alaska to attend agricultural school at UAF. He settled in Delta Junction and married Hannelore “Bill” Johnson on Aug. 20, 1965. They settled in a log cabin on the Richardson Highway, where their enormous wood pile drew tourist photos in the summer.

He was an avid reader, enjoyed history and aviation books, and became a private pilot. He was a talented mechanic and was known for his fleet of diesel Mercedes cars. He retired from the Alaska Department of Transportation and became a refrigerator technician, which satisfied his love of mechanical tinkering and exploration. He was an active and dedicated member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Men’s Igloo No. 35.

He and Bill were active in the Presbyterian Church and both had a deep and abiding faith.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Bill; his parents; and daughters, Terry Rubincan and Carrita Campbell. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Crawford (Glenn); and grandchildren, Carl Morris, Rhonda Gilbertson, Lance Gilbertson, Beth Bakken, Cameron Crawford and Cacie Crawford.

Services will be held i summer 2019 in Delta. A service announcement will be published after a date has been finalized. Arrangements are being made through Delta Presbyterian Church, and he will be buried in the Pioneers section of the Delta Junction cemetery.

Pegge Begich, Chair of the Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund, announced today the Fund’s call for applications for scholarships for the 2019/2020 academic year. Alaskans pursuing degrees and/or careers in education, government, and public service are invited to apply.

The Fund is now accepting applications for scholarships. The application form and required submissions may be found online at http://www.nickbegichfund.org. The Fund will award approximately 10 scholarships in the coming year. Awards will range from a $2,500 – $3,000 Eugene A. Kennedy Scholarship granted to the highest-scoring applicant (this scholarship may be renewed for up to four years) to one-year scholarships of at least $1,000.00. Last year, 17 Alaskans received scholarships ranging from $750 to $2,500 and totaling $27,750.

The Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund was created in 1977 by friends and family of the late Congressman Nick Begich (D-Alaska) who passed away in a plane crash while campaigning for re-election to the United States Congress 45 years ago on October 16th. The plane was never found. Said Ms. Begich, “In the coming years we will be presented with unique challenges – both here in Alaska and in our nation and around the world. My late husband understood that, without an educated public, democracy could not flourish.” Added Begich, “We encourage careers in education and public service because these are truly the most important elements of a thriving and productive democracy. I look forward to reading the applications of our future teachers and leaders.”

Since its inception, the Fund has provided over $480,000 in support to over 440 Alaskans. As part of the Fund, the Eugene A. Kennedy Scholarship honors Congressman Begich’s long-time friend and aide, Eugene Kennedy. Kennedy was Executive Director of the Fund until 1994.

Scholarship applications are available at www.nickbegichfund.org or may be requested via mail. Alaska residents pursuing degrees in education, government, or public service are eligible to apply. There is no age restriction. Other requirements are outlined on the application.

Applications will be accepted by e-mail or U.S. mail and must be sent and postmarked no later than February 20, 2019. Applications received after that date will not be considered. Awards will be announced in May 2019. An application may be submitted via email to tsbegich@gmail.com or via U.S. mail to Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund, PO Box 142711, Anchorage, AK 99514-2711.

Winter is coming, and along with it, an increased risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning.
Plus, over 20,000 go to the emergency room, and 4,000 are hospitalized because of CO exposure.
Alaska ranks #2 among the top 5 states with most CO poisoning related fatalities in the US.

Check out “The Safest and Most Dangerous States for CO Poisoning Report” here

Report highlights
The top 5 deadliest states for CO Poisoning are in northern altitudes, with elevations of 1,900+ ft
Hurricanes and other extreme-weather events can lead to higher numbers of CO poisoning incidents because of the use of temporary power sources like generators (which could explain why Southern States had the highest incidents of CO Poisoning in the country) According to a recent SafeWise survey of 5000 Americans, 38% of females were concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning compared to 33% of males; however, 71% of carbon monoxide poisoning victims are male. Only 37% of 35-54 year old survey respondents were concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning, even though 42% of carbon monoxide poisoning victims fall within that age group.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Stats & Facts
– CO poisoning is more common in the winter; heating systems are responsible for 34% of all CO accidents.
– Overall, engine-driven tools (like generators, snow blowers, etc.) are the main source (42%) of non-fire-related CO poisoning in the US.
– Carbon monoxide poisoning is the second-leading cause of poisoning death in the US, after drugs.
– Men are nearly three times more likely to die of CO poisoning than women.
– White Americans over the age of 45 are the predominant victims of CO poisoning
– Rural locales are least afflicted with accidental CO poisoning—only 18% of incidents occurred in rural towns (compared to 62% in urban cities and 19% in the ‘burbs).

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

October 31, 201810:00 am
– 11:00 am

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

October 31, 201811:15 am
– 12:15 pm

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

Worship in the Presbyterian or Lutheran Order of Worship (alternates weekly) at 11:00 am. Food fellowship is then followed by Faith fellowship at 1 pm. All are welcome... come and see. The log church is located just south of the Delta Community Center at 1760 Richardson Highway.

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 7, 201810:00 am
– 11:00 am

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 7, 201811:15 am
– 12:15 pm

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

Worship in the Presbyterian or Lutheran Order of Worship (alternates weekly) at 11:00 am. Food fellowship is then followed by Faith fellowship at 1 pm. All are welcome... come and see. The log church is located just south of the Delta Community Center at 1760 Richardson Highway.

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 14, 201810:00 am
– 11:00 am

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

11:00 am: Calico Cow Sale

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 14, 201811:15 am
– 12:15 pm

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

11:00 am: Calico Cow Sale

1:00 pm: 4th Annual Turkey Trot

The turkey trot is open to everyone – all ages and abilities are welcome. It will take place on Saturday, November 17th at 1:00 pm. Meet at the trail kiosk, and arrive by 12:45 to sign up.

Those with a competitive streak will want to complete 2 laps around the trail for a total of 2.4 miles (and bragging rights).

Volunteers will record everyone’s time and which class (run, walk, snowshoe), but everyone has an equal chance of winning the turkey, which will be awarded through a random drawing of all signed up entrants who complete at least 1 lap.

Worship in the Presbyterian or Lutheran Order of Worship (alternates weekly) at 11:00 am. Food fellowship is then followed by Faith fellowship at 1 pm. All are welcome... come and see. The log church is located just south of the Delta Community Center at 1760 Richardson Highway.

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 21, 201810:00 am
– 11:00 am

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

11:00 am: Calico Cow Sale

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 21, 201811:15 am
– 12:15 pm

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

6:00 pm: Overeaters Anonymous

6:00 pm: Overeaters Anonymous

November 22, 20186:00 pm
– 7:00 pm

OA Program of Recovery

Overeaters Anonymous offers a program of recovery from compulsive eating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. Worldwide meetings and other tools provide a fellowship of experience, strength and hope where members respect one another’s anonymity. OA charges no dues or fees; it is self-supporting through member contributions.

OA is not just about weight loss, weight gain or maintenance, or obesity or diets. It addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is not a religious organization and does not promote any particular diet.

OA members differ in many ways, but we are united by our common disease and the solution we have found in the OA program. We practice unity with diversity, and we welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. Welcome home.

Contact Info: Bob (907)347-0337

Location: Family Medical Center; in Kitchen (please come in through basement door)

Worship in the Presbyterian or Lutheran Order of Worship (alternates weekly) at 11:00 am. Food fellowship is then followed by Faith fellowship at 1 pm. All are welcome... come and see. The log church is located just south of the Delta Community Center at 1760 Richardson Highway.

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

10:00 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 28, 201810:00 am
– 11:00 am

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

11:00 am: Calico Cow Sale

11:00 am: Calico Cow Sale

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

11:15 am: Preschool Story Hour ~ Delta Community Library

November 28, 201811:15 am
– 12:15 pm

Preschool Story Hour with Miss Shona returns to the Delta Library on Wednesday, September 19. Your choice of sessions - one at 10:00 and one at 11:15 -- a limit of 15 per session. Call the library at 895-4102 to sign up your 3 to 5 year old and get ready for a new season of fun stories, silly songs, creative crafts and healthy snacks. Remember, registration is a must so we can prep materials -- thanks.

Worship in the Presbyterian or Lutheran Order of Worship (alternates weekly) at 11:00 am. Food fellowship is then followed by Faith fellowship at 1 pm. All are welcome... come and see. The log church is located just south of the Delta Community Center at 1760 Richardson Highway.